Florida man convicted of distributing fentanyl resulting in death

FLORIDA – A federal jury has found a Florida man guilty of distributing fentanyl resulting in the death of another.

Jermaine Lamar Harvard, 41, of Lake County, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 15, 2023, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO).

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in October 2019, Harvard distributed a quantity of fentanyl to the victim, M.R. An analysis of the victim’s cellphone reportedly revealed that Harvard had set up multiple drug transactions with the victim.

The drugs reportedly led directly to the victim’s death. Harvard represented that the substance was heroin. A medical examiner subsequently determined that the victim had died of acute fentanyl toxicity, the USAO said.

Harvard has prior state convictions for the sale of cocaine in 2013, the USAO said.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton and Hannah J. Nowalk.